Classic Gran Fondo San Diego is back April 14

SAN DIEGO – Organizers of the Classic Gran Fondo San Diego announced today that the 2013 edition of the event will be held Sunday, April 14. Steeped in Italian tradition, a gran fondo is a semi-competitive bicycling event, and the Classic San Diego is in its fifth successful year. As always, it will start in San Diego’s Little Italy neighborhood, and feature a post-ride pasta party and expo area.

Gran Fondo San Diego

“We’ve added a new route for 2013,” said Tobias Panek, Founder of Gran Fondo Cycling Tours, and manager of the Classic. “Our ‘Piccolo Fondo’, which is 38 miles, offers an entry level option for people who aren’t quite ready for the longer routes. We developed it in response to feedback from past participants.”

In addition to the Piccolo, riders can opt for the 60-mile Medio Fondo, or the ultimate Gran Fondo route of 108 miles, both of which are unchanged from previous years, and feature a loop through the US Olympic Training Center Criterium Course.

Regardless of the route selected, all participants enjoy a fully-closed road for the first eight miles of the event, professional timing, well-stocked rest stops, epic scenery, mechanical support, and a finisher’s medal. Limited edition custom bike jerseys commemorating the event, made locally by a San Diego-based apparel company, are available for pre-order.

Further, the 2013 Classic Gran Fondo San Diego will raise money for Challenged Athletes – Operation Rebound. The Operation Rebound program provides athletic equipment and training for military personnel, veterans, and first responders with permanent physical disabilities. “San Diego is a military town, and we believe firmly in giving back to it,” stated Panek. “This will be our third year of supporting Operation Rebound.”

The Classic Gran Fondo San Diego is open to cyclists of all abilities who are ages 15 and older, but will be capped at 2,000 participants. Organizers encourage early registration.